November,15,2004,-Three teams from the NORCECA region will participate in the 2005 World Grand Prix whose preliminary rounds are to be played from June 24 to July 10.

USA, Cuba and Dominican Republic will represent the region in the most important annual women’s event after qualifying through the Pan American Cup this summer in Mexico. Brazil who also qualified in Mexican soil, will take part as the representative of South America.

Japan, China, Korea and Thailand will be the Asian squads in the competition and Italy, Netherlands, Poland and Germany will represent Europe.

The schedule of the competition was discussed and confirmed during a meeting that took place in Bangkok, Thailand with the participation of all preliminary and final round organizers.

After having organized the final round in 1997, Japan will host the final round for the second time in the World Grand Prix history. Japan, automatically qualified as hosts, together with the five best ranked teams of the preliminary round.

The World Grand Prix Council was very happy to confirm the return of Macau as organizer of a preliminary round on the 2005 World Grand Prix. This prestigious competition has traditionally been played in Asia but, after having hosted the final round in 2004, Italy will now host a preliminary round in 2005.

When asked about the 2005 World Grand Prix, Dr. Rubén Acosta, the FIVB President said: "We are looking forward to the 2005 edition. The new 12- team formula instead of the standard eight has proven more competitive and very successful. It's encouraging to see this outstanding women's tournament going from strength to strength as the best female athletes strive for the best."

During the first week, Cuba and Dominican Republic will play in Reggio Calabria, Italy with the teams of Germany and Italy while USA will meet China, Thailand and Netherlands in Ningbo, China.

In the second week, USA and Dominican Republic will be in Jeju City, Korea playing against Korea and Japan. Meanwhile, Cuba will play against Italy, Thailand and Netherlands in Manila, Philippines.

During the third and final preliminary round, Dominican Republic will visit Hong Kong, China to play with China, Italy and Germany. In Taipei, Chinese Taipei, Cuba will play against Brazil, Korea and Netherlands and in Bangkok, Thailand USA will entertain Japan, Poland and Thailand.